| Document and Entity Information | May 02, 2019 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 30, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-07349 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BALL CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | IN |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 35-0160610 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10 Longs Peak Drive |
| Entity Address, Adress Line Two | P.O. Box 5000 |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Broomfield |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80021-2510 |
| City Area Code | 303 |
| Local Phone Number | 469-3131 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, without par value |
| Trading Symbol | BLL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000009389 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
